Algeria Severs Diplomatic Relations with Morocco

Algeria officially severed diplomatic relations with Morocco on 24/08/2021, following years of tensions between the two North African neighbours. Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra announced the decision during a press conference in Algiers, accusing Morocco of hostile actions against Algeria. The Algerian government cited alleged support for separatist movements, espionage concerns, and regional security disputes. Morocco rejected the accusations, describing Algeria's decision as unjustified. The announcement followed decades of strained relations, particularly over Western Sahara, where Algeria supports the Polisario Front's campaign for self-determination while Morocco claims sovereignty over the territory. The diplomatic rupture formalised a deterioration in bilateral relations despite shared historical, cultural, and economic ties. The countries' land border had already been closed since 1994, and diplomatic relations had remained tense despite periods of engagement. Following the announcement, Morocco expressed regret over Algeria's decision. Algeria subsequently closed its airspace to Moroccan aircraft in September 2021 and ended the use of the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline route through Morocco later that year.